Society happy to turn the page in book project

Monday

Aug 18, 2014 at 12:01 AMAug 19, 2014 at 1:43 PM

The Bexley Historical Society will unveil Bexley, a new photo book that chronicles nearly a century of community history, at a release party set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Bexley Public Library, 2411 E. Main St.

CHRIS BOURNEA, ThisWeek Community News

The Bexley Historical Society will unveil Bexley, a new photo book that chronicles nearly a century of community history, at a release party set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Bexley Public Library, 2411 E. Main St.

The book covers the area's history from the arrival of European settlers on the banks of Alum Creek in the early 1800s, through the founding of the village of Bexley in 1908, and ending at 1970.

The book features many images that have never been published, said Mark Epstein, a member of the historical society's board of trustees who helped compile the book.

"Out of the 187 photos, most are from before 1970," he said.

Arcadia Publishing officially released the book Aug. 18 as part of the publisher's "Images of America" series.

The historical society began working on the book last fall by asking people who had lived, worked, worshiped or attended school in Bexley to share their photos.

"We solicited photos from the community via Facebook, local media and putting up fliers around town," Epstein said.

In addition to combing the Bexley Historical Society's archives, the authors also selected photos from the archives of the city of Bexley, the Columbus Jewish Historical Society, Capital University, Columbus School for Girls and St. Charles Preparatory School.

"We had to have both photos and stories to go with them," Epstein said.

The chapters cover topics such as "Families and Homes," featuring landmarks such as the governor's residence and Jeffrey Mansion; educational institutions, such as Capital and the city's public and private schools; and churches and synagogues.

There is also a chapter titled "Community," which spotlights people and issues that have made a lasting impact.

"It's about people and causes," Epstein said. "It's a combination of city government and people who have been important to city government."

Copies of Bexley will be available for purchase at the release party. The book also may be ordered from online booksellers such as Amazon.com. All proceeds will benefit the Bexley Historical Society, its programs and exhibits.